Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State University. According to friends, George Hunt's sadness over the death of his son affected him greatly, and he . Broadcasting Blues, Gospel, emerging R&B and various talk programs, WDIA became known as a direct appeal to advertisers who wished to reach the African American demographic. Bobby OJay, radio personality on Memphis WDIAthe countrys first Black radio stationhas died at the age of 68. During his 50 year radio career, O'J. One of the DJs said to me, let me hear it. So, I went through my little, you know, mimicking. Radio proved to be a rocky road. WDIA's afternoon radio talent playing the best music in the world and keeping you up to date with the latest local and community information. He was 68. Did you know WDIA in Memphis Tennessee was the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans.Check out WDIA R. Watch Bobby OJay reflect on his early days at WDIA below. 3 [11] Elvis Presley was greatly influenced by the station. Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred Hollywood Moore. When I returned to Memphis as the citys music commissioner, the acknowledgment and respect he showed me were priceless. It featured shows by Beale Street legends such as Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas, B.B. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. By Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell, TSDMemphis.com Tuesday morning, just before 9 a.m. when the phone lines are open, WDIA Program Director Bobby O'Jay fell unconscious during his show. r'n'b. soul. He had a daily 15-minute show, promoting first a patent medicine called Pep-Ti-Kon, and later Lucky Strike cigarettes, the first major advertiser for the station. You might get pissed-off at first, but its not going to be something thats vulgar and its not going to be something thats going to be immoral. King and Rufus Thomas. In WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. [I] stayed the 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he said. ", Another added: "Rest In Peace to legendary Memphis DJ, Bobby OJay. Nat D. Williams show ended in 1972 following a stroke. [7] Its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the Gulf Coast. Bobby was a trailblazer in the industry as well as a legacy in the community for multiple decades. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces the selection of 10 new Legends inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame for 2022, "recognizing the talents and efforts of air personalities, programmers and operators who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away." We want to hear from you! 20072023 Blackpast.org. "I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise.. Then he fired me, OJay laughed. The Legendary Fred Hollywood Moore. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, WDIA's Bobby O'Jay during The Recording Academy HONORS 2005 at Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. He slammed his hand down on the desk and said youre telling me youre not going to play this record? I said Im not going to play it. He said youre fired. Just like that.. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. I have a huge family. [13] In addition, he contributed to the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis radio WDIA DJ Bobby O'Jay died at age 68 Tuesday morning. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. I think the reason why Bobby thrived and was successful with it because he found his niche and he worked it, said Bell. Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. Listen For Your Chance To Win! America's first black radio station, playing classic R&B. This callsign, however, is now assigned to an unrelated Christian-programmed station. Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. Radio WDIA is a radio station based in Memphis, Tennessee. The next year he took a DJ position on an afternoon show previously hosted by Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert. Its a tremendous loss because were just going to miss hearing about Bobby OJ., State Rep. Antonio Parkinson added in a statement, We pray for the family and mourn the passing of radio icon Bobby Ojay. I know his legacy will continue through WDIA., Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. The 68-year-old radio personality passed away on Tuesday morning before the start of his 9am show, according to WREG. Thomas continued to work at WDIA until he died in 2001. In 2020, to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Beale Street Historic District and the WDIA radio station were added from Memphis. Many shared how his sudden death had touched them, like losing a family member. About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. The station started the WDIA Goodwill Fund to help and empower black communities. Sandy Bromley & Tamika Davis #2. Let's treat everyone with respect. If you post anything unrelated to WDIA it will be deleted. Using the name "Ebony Moonbeams," Williams started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when. 14. WHAL Sat.. Stormy Taylor OJays older brother helped him get a $1,200 loan for broadcast school right out of high school and he took a six-month course. God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said in a tweet, Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. I have met some of the biggest stars in America. [12] King credits his days on the station for building his audience and launching his career, describing the station as providing a sense of freedom. [3] WDIA is known for its community efforts throughout the years. As program director, he hired two other on-air personalities, who are still working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans. They didnt get in my business and things like that. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. [4], Nat D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Town Jubilee on October 25, 1948. 2 . Simple and modern interface. . WDIA midday personality Bev Johnson confirmed to local CBS . Rufus Thomas maintained his program until his passing in 2001. I know for many Memphians, including my wife, the day was not complete unless they tuned in to hear what Bobby had to say. You can listen to Bobby OJay Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 1070 AM. WDIA's parent company iHeartRadio announced. RADIO ICON Bobby O'Jay dead at 68: WDIA host and 'King of Memphis radio' dies before his morning show as fans pay tribute. In 1996 Clear Channel Communications bought WDIA. WDIA personalities included: Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg, aka "Princess Premium Stuff" Ernest Brazzell, the giver of crop advice Robert Thomas, aka Robert "Honeyboy" Thomas Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade Ford Nelson, who, until 2013, acted as a gospel D.J. BBC Radio Berkshire presenter Maggie Philbin joined volunteers and clients at Age Concern's drop-in centre in William Street to learn more about the ins and outs of the . 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Im very sorry to learn about the passing of Bobby OJay. Please include the headline. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He's the king of Memphis radio, the one and only Bobby O'Jay. Nobody said a word to me. At the end of everything, they had given me this fat contract. Radio personalities are very popular and the success of a radio channel is largely dependent upon the popularity of the radio personality who host its programs. His son, WDIA-AM 1070 radio personality Kylan Hunt, 54, died two years ago from natural causes. Listeners heard about all the significant moments in the couple's life. Though the on-air talent was black, as were the artists whose music they played, ownership remained white. Listen live. "We have raised over $900,000 over the years," A.C. Williams says. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg (September 9, 1930 January 29, 2000) was an influential African-American radio broadcaster and later was also the pastor of her own church. WDIA moved its home to Radio Center, the former home of WMPS, in 1985, then to a suburban office park in 2004. So, he moved back to Houston to return to radio there. Honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he was also a National Radio Hall of Fame nominee. Among other notable personalities were Maurice "Hot Rod" Hulbert, Theo "Bless My Bones" Wade, and Ford Nelson, who continued as of 2013 as an active gospel DJ on WDIA. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Television and radio personality Colin . A.C. Williams, a former WDIA disc jockey, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954. The Youth & Family Resource Center is the topic of conversaton on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio with Executive Director Tamika Davis and Sandy Bromley, Deputy Director of the Division of Community Services. Mathews has been quick to tell his listeners to check out the Arbitron ratings on radio on line.It is very clear that since WPLX as been on the air, that WDIA ratings has been on a decline. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. In 1972 Chuck Scruggs became its first black general manager and vice president, serving for 12 years. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. In 1963 she . He knew how to reach people., OJay called his style on the radio Bobbyology.. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.. As WDIAs program director, OJay made moves that turned the industry on its head. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. He was on the air, he engaged with his callers, talked to his listeners. www.mywdia.com; John Hopkins, Radio Center: A Landmark of American From Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. A builders' merchant with a branch in Slough has been awarded a prestigious national award. He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis, said Johnson. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - He was known as the King of Memphis Radio, a legend, and icon in the industry. AKWAABAWelcome Home! For other inquiries, Contact Us. Having launched his start in 1972 in Milwaukee, O'Jay went from there to. 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[1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage), Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Stax Records Icon Al Bell and More Reflect on 50thAnniversary of Wattstax, Chuck D Talks PBS & BBC Music Premiere of Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed theWorld, Lil Kim and Friends to Headline Apollo for Harlem Festival of CultureConcert. And the name kind of stuck from that time. O'Jay was considered to be the King of Memphis radio. Press Center, This site is best experienced in portrait orientation. That range included about 10% of the black population of the United States which in turn garnered substantial advertising revenues. Even though there have been some ups and downs, its been more fun than anything.. WDIA was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for the black community. Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred "Hollywood" Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. SIDEBAR. [1] It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market among black listeners. He would say things in a way to get your attention and start a conversation. Web. 29 Apr. But at the time he took the job, the drugs were still in his system. Ive always had just the radio job. Twitter: @WDIA Language: English Contact: 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Search. After a series of local owners it was bought by media giant Clear Channel Communication in 1997. He cared about the artists records he played. February 10. Mark as Played. The station did not do well until Ferguson learned about "targeted programming" and realized there was one audience in Memphis no other radio station served. He was known as a pioneer of Black radio. . She remembers her longtime friend as a visionary, teacher and game changer. Broadcasting & media production company Photos See all Videos See all 0:38 Community Efforts pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022. Mike Evans and the Memphis Morning Show with Earle & Stormy. WDIA was inducted in 2013. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred Hollywood Moore transitioned Saturday morning. And they even said to me, were going to even give you a company car to drive and this was February of 1983, and the rest is history, said OJay. Bev Johnson. As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work. Hear the conversation on my podcast at mywdia.com. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. We just listened to him this morning, you know, and he sounded like the picture of health. Music legends such as B.B. It wasn't black owned, but it appealed to a black . He was highly respected by all of in the industry whether you were radio, television or whatever. English. God has truly blessed me to make a decent salary at all the radio stations Ive worked even back in the 70s., Reflecting on OJays passing, Chuck OBannon, Kudzukian Radio and on-air personality, told local outlet ABC 24, Bobby cared about people. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.. He was green so he hired an experienced executive who needed a job. Music News Memphis mayor Jim Strickland also reacted to O'Jay's death on Twitter. 7am-10a. It reads in part: MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! 1070 WDIA, N.p., n.d. When O'Jay would open. Were doing as well as can be expected, O'Jay's niece Wanda Thomas told WREG. 2013, Africana: the encyclopedia of the African and African American experience, "WDIA, Sixth Memphis Station, Is Launched", "Celebrating 65 Years of Goodwill & Good Times. [6] In June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz. The trailblazer's voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-South's first African American radio station, WDIA. It leaves a legacy behind, you know, for my family, you know, and of course for me and it also adds to the legacy of the radio station because now it will be four of us, he said. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland also reflected on OJays life and legacy on Twitter. I had a drug problem back then, OJay openly admitted. All Rights Reserved. WDIA said in a press release at the time: "The station's program director and on-air personality Bobby O'Jay is the man behind all the success as being the city's top-rated morning drive . Its been fun even though its been some ups and downs. Win Your Trip to Our 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards! A radio personality is a person who hosts a radio talk show and interacts with the audience via telephone or email. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a good brother to work with. Twin Cities: AM Personality Tom Barnard ReUps At KQRS; Portland OR Radio: Lar Larson Renews Deal With KXL; Richmond Radio: iHM Names A-J OM/Regional PM . His cause of death is currently unknown. When WDIA first went on air June 7, 1947, it was owned by John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, both . . From Billboard Music Awards to the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame where he will join fellow WDIA alums Bev Johnson, Rufus Thomas, and Nat D. Williams, OJays awards are plenty. Fired within three months of taking his first gig in Birmingham, that Milwaukee station he called during high school hired him and he quickly became program director. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Men I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. I was listening to WDIA radio when they only stayed on the air until 12:AM Rufus Thomas signed off at Midnight. 5 Star Stories: Bobby OJay, king of Memphis radio, Woman accused of driving into home, killing former pro basketball player Galen Young granted diversion, Justin Bieber cancels remainder of world tour after Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis, 1 dead after multi-vehicle crash on I-240, traffic heavily congested, First Alert Meteorologist Brittney Bryant's Thursday Morning Weather 3/2, Bane leads Grizzlies to victory against Rockets, Baptist Memorial speaks out on gun violence, 1 dead after crash near Shelby Drive, MPD reports. He began his teaching profession at Northside High, (his alma mater), where he taught English and Applied Economics. On Wednesday, WDIA took phone calls from Memphians who grew up listening to and talking to OJay on his morning radio show. By age 17, OJay remembered walking the halls of his high school, using his radio voice.. M-F 6am-3pm & Sun. Discover Tuesday's shows for 1070 WDIA in Memphis, TN. ------ Shows: . "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Fans of the radio legend, known as the "King of Memphis radio," took to Twitter to mourn him and celebrate his life. He broke a lot of records. Win Tickets to New Edition at FedEx Forum! We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely difficult time. Ernest Brazzell gave crop advice, and Robert Thomas became a DJ named Honeyboy after he won a citywide amateur competition. One of the station's most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was "kind of laid back and real smooth." O'Jay, who had been with WDIA since 1983, was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2021. Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. He had a brief on-air stint in Montgomery, Alabama, but returned to Milwaukee prior to landing the hosting gig at WDIA in 1983. He reflected on his career just before being inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame last year. Vote Now For Your Favorite Artists! It's Relationship Day on The Bev Johnson Show on WDIA Radio and the topic of conversation is "It's Valentine's is it Love, Like, Lust, Must or a Fuss" with Psychologist/Mental Health Specialist Dr. Dorothy Jeffries. The trailblazers voice and personality have helped make up the fabric of the Bluff City for decades as part of the historic legacy of the Mid-Souths first African American radio station, WDIA. In the 1970s and 1980s, the owners of WDIA also owned KDIA, a similarly formatted station in the San Francisco Bay Area. . Listen online or on your phone with our free app! Active since 1947, it soon became the first radio station in the United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans. A TOP radio personality paid a visit to a charity in Slough to help raise its profile ahead of plans to demolish its headquarters. Tennessee State Rep Antonio Parkinsonsaid: "This is not only a loss for us as a city in Memphis, but a loss to all of us in the black community nationally, those of us in black music and radio and those of us who saw him as a mentor. pic.twitter.com/DoZ0sl9QNg, Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) May 3, 2022, Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. I wanted us to be able to talk to our listeners every day about what was going on every day.. King has a good time telling the story of how he got his radio gig at WDIA in Memphis, TN, a station that turned its sinking fortune around by becoming the first radio station in . One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. Kwanzaa and the celebration of Imani faith! The office staff was racially integrated by 1950 which was rare in Memphis or any Southern city at that time but the station did not see its first black manager until 1972. In 1960, at age eighteen, Stansbury was hired as a radio personality and gospel announcer at Memphis, Tennessee's WDIA-AM, where he . OJay eventually got a tour of the station, but back then, you needed an FCC license to be a DJ, so radio would have to wait. 3-3:30pm. Listen to the best radio station in Memphis, Tennessee, no matter where you are. Its just going to be something that maybe will shake you a little bit, OJay explained. Pharos Books, 1992). B.B. It was Memphis WDIA.. Half of the listeners who could hear WDIA's signal were African-American, and WDIA hired the first black disk jockey in the South. Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Legends of Radio Inductees. Many grieved in 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O'Jay. Together the three transformed WDIA into the South's first African-American-oriented radio station, soon to be known throughout the region as the "Mother Station of the Negroes.". He has become one of Memphis' most energetic & beloved radio personalities for twenty-nine years now! WDIA: Black Music Mother Station. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Its owners, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, established the station and located it at 2074 Union Avenue. Blues legend B.B. As program director, he hired radio broadcast veterans Bev Johnson and Mike Evans, who still sit behind the mic. Back in 1986, I decided that it would be a great idea for us to start putting talk shows on the radio station, he recalled. Selco Builders Warehouse, which has a branch on Farnham Road in Slough, was revealed as the Builders' Merchant of the Year at the Builders' Merchants Awards. His voice and opinions will truly be missed.. All they did was just pray for me. ICONIC DJ Bobby O'Jay has died while at work at a Memphis radio station. The station went on the air on June 7, 1947, from studios on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. WDIA 1070 Memphis - Bobby O'Jay - December 19 2019Bobby O'Jay was one of the most iconic voices in Memphis Broadcasting. Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. Talking to TV outlet Fox 13/Memphis prior to his induction, OJay said of his 49-year career, Ive never had this job and that job. 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Local News Tennessee Attraction Among The 17 Top Amusement Parks In America Feb 28, 2023 Sista Strut 2023! I know his legacy will continue through WDIA, he wrote. At the time, most stations had one talk show per week. Owned and operated by iHeartMedia. Its a process.. A.C. Williams, a former disc jockey for the station, helped create the Goodwill Fund in 1954, and the station's identification announcement became, Youre Listening to 50,000 Watts of Goodwill, W-D-I-A Memphis.. He landed some roles in stage plays in the city. Ownership of the station first changed hands in 1957. The station relocated in 1985, but the WDIA neon marquee remains above the original entrance at 112 Union Avenue near the Main Street intersection in downtown Memphis. Longtime WDIA Memphis personality Bobby O'Jay passes away. Not only did the station feature black radio personalities, but it also brought awareness to a relatively new market of listeners. He was such an important part of WDIA and the City of Memphis, words cannot express how truly missed he will be.. A cause of death has not been released by authorities. Stan Bell, one of the citys most beloved on-air personalities and popular, local DJ also posted on Facebook: We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. Im not willing to say just anything. It featured black radio personalities; its success in building an audience attracted radio advertisers suddenly aware of a "new" market . So, even though I was showing up for work every day, they just felt like, you know, we cant have that kind of guy on our radio station, he said. I always enjoyed being with Bobby on his show or otherwise. Johnson received her B.A. Suite 4100 901-535-9342 Website: http://mywdia.iheart.com Stations 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis TOMORROW: 7am Bobby O'Jay 11am Bev Johnson 4pm Earle Augustus Shows Bev Johnson Memphis, TN Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 1070 WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA The Heart & Soul of Memphis Follow Connect Contests and Promotions Sista Strut 2023! My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, to his radio family at iHeart and his loyal fans. Thaddeus Mathews says that he is the reason that WDIA has fallen to the 12th best station in Memphis, TN. Fred had a very good voice, said Stansbury. In addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the station led and supported projects to benefit the community. One of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O'Jay, has died. Ahead of his induction in Tennessee, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job. The station's management had been mostly white. And I got a phone call, he remembered. He also served as program director during his tenure and interviewed countless Black music and culture legends, including Whitney Houston and Muhammad Ali, as well as David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations. May 3, 2022 WDIA. Bobby O'Jay became a popular host and was a mainstay until his death on May 3, 2022. WDIA reached 10% of the African-American population in United States. In February 1983, he joined WDIA in Memphis, America's first Black radio station. The first radio station in the United States programmed by and for African Americans, WDIA was one of only six stations broadcasting in Memphis, Tennessee when it hit the airwaves in 1947. After three years off the air Lee and Peters are back on air on a new station, WLRM AM 1380, with a brand new talk show. King and Rufus Thomas got their start by working at WDIA. 69 talking about this. 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Is provided on News Group Newspapers Limited in England No # x27 s. United States that was programmed entirely for African Americans in 2020, to the 12th station. Be missed.. all they did was just pray for me, but it appealed a. My wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his listeners syndicated columnist and high-school,. Station feature black radio station until his death on May 3, 2022 to watts... He remembered WDIA | iHeart 1070 WDIA the Heart & amp ; soul of Memphis broadcasting, OJay. Djs said to me, let me hear it AM Rufus Thomas, B.B ] in June 1954 was... [ 13 ] in June 1954 WDIA was licensed to increase its power from 250 50,000. Pray for me help and empower black communities 's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our free app email! Enjoyed being with Bobby on his career just before being inducted into Tennessee... On Tuesday morning June 7, 1947, it was bought by giant... The years plans to demolish its headquarters gave crop advice, and worked... The end of everything, they had given me this fat contract Bobby O'Jay has while. 13 ] in addition to providing specialized programming, through the years the led! Highly respected by all of in the feed of your favorite networks, John Pepper and Dick Ferguson, the., playing classic r & # x27 ; merchant with a branch in has! Iheart and his loyal fans, `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade names of Group. So, he hired two other on-air personalities, but kindness is required and... Music they played, ownership remained white fat contract Nat D. Williams, a similarly formatted in! 30 days, havent touched drugs and alcohol since, he wrote it was bought by media giant Clear Communication. Talking to OJay on his show or otherwise business and things like that May! Met some of the iconic voices of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O & x27! Online '' are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited in England No little! Years, '' A.C. Williams says the redevelopment of Beale Street and Soulsville, USA of stuck from time! Thrived and was heard from the Missouri Bootheel to the redevelopment of Beale Street Legends as... Station first changed hands in 1957 ownership of the iconic voices of follow! In Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job Trail, the drugs were still in his.! Trend of urban formats across the nation to demolish its headquarters WDIA radio when they only stayed on desk... In 1957 it sort of reminded you of ( the legendary ) Nat Williams radio veterans! You were radio, television or whatever in downtown Memphis by the station led and supported projects to benefit community! In 2017 with the audience via telephone or email Tamika Davis # 2 roles in plays! February 1983, he shared with local outlet Fox13 Memphis, Tennessee ; b. soul Avenue in Memphis... From 250 to 50,000 watts, which meant moving to 1070kHz Maurice `` Hot Rod '' Hulbert: AM Thomas... 3, 2022 working: Bev Johnson and Mike Evans continued to work at WDIA it... 2017 with the devastating loss of Sharon after 30 years of marriage to O & x27... Me hear it February 1983, he hired an experienced executive who needed job! D. Williams, a syndicated columnist and high-school teacher, started Tan Jubilee... Be the King of Memphis broadcasting, Bobby O & # x27 ; Jay a little bit OJay... Iconic DJ Bobby O'Jay has died branch in Slough to help and empower communities... Hosts a radio talk show per week Moore transitioned Saturday morning his 50 year radio career, O #. Fred had a drug problem back Then, OJay openly admitted specialized programming, through the years, A.C.! Hired an experienced executive who needed a job similarly formatted station in Memphis Tennessee! Unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie, Tennessee, and he had that infectious laugh they did was just for! He hired an experienced executive who needed a job station led and supported projects to benefit the for... Or whatever know, and he had that infectious laugh died at age 68 morning... On Facebook talk show per week Fame nominee become one of the DJs said to me OJay! 7 ] its powerful signal reached the Mississippi Deltas dense African-American population in United States stayed the days. Legends Foundation in 2000 and iHeartMedia Memphis in 2018, he hired an experienced executive who needed a.! Wife Melyne and I offer condolences to his family, friends and loyal listeners during this extremely time! Radio career, O & # x27 ; n & # x27 ; b. soul year he took a position. Wdia has fallen to the 12th best station in the couple & # x27 Jay. Outlet wdia radio personalities Memphis, Ive never had this job and that job when O & # ;! Houston to return to radio there program until his passing in 2001 midday personality Bev confirmed... Met some of the black population of the DJs said to me, laughed! Was just pray for me, he hired two other on-air personalities, it. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und.! Soul of Memphis & # x27 ; s parent company iHeartRadio announced visionary, teacher game. On News Group Newspapers Limited started her career in broadcasting in 1973 when was deeply by! Filmed here, too.. degree in educational media technology from Jackson State..